"It will be great for the region and for Wales to keep hold of Alex - he's a top-class player and up there with the best in the world when he is playing well," Warburton told the South Wales Argus.

"To keep a player of his calibre is a great boost for all of the players round here and shows that the club has ambition. Cuthbert has been immense for the Blues this season and is a key player for us. He gives us go-forward, is a hell of an athlete, a good pro and trains hard.
"He is always willing to learn and deserves all of the success that he has had over the past season or so."

Warburton's contract with the Blues is set to expire in 2014 and hinted he would favour staying in Wales despite of the big money available in the French Top 14.

"I've still got 18 months or so to go on my deal and I will cross that bridge when I come to it," added Warburton. "Ideally players want to stay in Wales and I am a bit of a home bird anyway - it would be nice to have my testimonial in Cardiff.

"Being brutally honest, if there wasn't money in France nobody would go there. I'd rather play somewhere I'm happy and where I am being looked after medically. Phil Davies has been great for me this season and appreciates that players need a rest so that they can keep performing well."